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Time to register youth for Fish Fest 2017

Ashton Pryor of Many caught this impressive stringer of catfish last year at the TBLA/Sabine SWCD Fish Fest. The .93 pound catfish on the left won second place honors.

The Toledo Bend Lake Association and Sabine Soil and Water Conservation District are beyond thrilled to share an open invitation for Fish Fest 2017. The eighth annual tournament will take place on Toledo Bend Lake at the Sabine River Authority’s Cypress Bend Park. Fishermen will turn the park turquoise in their TBLA/Sabine SWCD t-shirts on Saturday, June 3.

Their goal is to register 150 youth by April 28. Fishing time begins at 7:30 a.m. Fishermen can start fishing after they check in at the registration table. Weigh-in time will be at 11 a.m. The event is open to school age children registered in kindergarten through 12th grade for the school year 2016-2017 attending schools in Louisiana and Texas. There will be six specie categories for first, second, and third place. Specie categories are bass, bream, catfish, white perch, turtle, and other. All fishermen must be pre-registered to participate on Saturday, June 3.

The TBLA and SWCD will provide t-shirts for all pre-registered fishermen and adult Earth Team Volunteers. Youth fishermen will be required to wear the t-shirt at all times. Sponsors are furnishing prizes and door prizes to be won by the youth fishermen. There are no entry fees for fisherman to enter Cypress Bend Park courtesy of the Sabine River Authority. You must fish the shores of the Park. Fishing from boats is not allowed. Fishermen must provide their own fishing equipment and bait. Youth will be following an honesty policy for their catch. Fishermen will weigh their largest fish in any specie category for weight, not length. Black Bass will be the only fish measured for length to meet state regulation of 14 inches or longer. Black Bass shorter than 14” can’t be weighed. Any length is good for Spotted Bass. Fishermen must be present for the entire day. This includes fishing, weigh-in, and prizes. The fishermen must weigh in their own fish, not family or friends.

Family members should bring a lawn chair to relax on during the tournament. There are a limited number of picnic tables available under the pavilion at Cypress Bend Park. A free hot dog lunch and cold drinks will be provided to all fishermen thanks to our sponsors.

For more information or to register call Anita Manshack at the Sabine SWCD at 318-256-3491 Extension 100. The office location for the Sabine SWCD/USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is 570 HWY 171 Bypass across the road from Fred's Super Dollar Store in Many. The USDA and Sabine SWCD are an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.